Regular city commission meeting to order. Deputy city clerk, can you roll call, please? >> Yes, sir. Commissioner Davis >> here. >> Commissioner Dles >> here. >> Commissioner Bersong >> here. >> Mayor Pim Mercer >> here. >> And Mayor Yates >> here.
>> Thank you. All right. We'll have uh the invocation this evening led by Reverend Callie Weber from First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven followed by the pledge of allegiance. Uh please stand if you will. >> Let us pray. As we enter this time and
space to discern the needs, hopes, and dreams for Winter Haven, please grant to this gathering good conversations, discussions, and decisions. For the leaders of this community, let them remember this important calling as they engage with matters of the day. For community members present, give them
ample voice and engagement with the process. And for all in the community of Winter Haven, we are grateful for the blessings of so many and the reminder for us to seek the lost and hopeless. give us articulate speech, energy for the journey, and patience with the
process. We are grateful for the space to be part of this community and to help make it a safe and nurturing place to live, work, and rest our heads. Amen. >> To the flag of the United States of
America and to the stands nation, indivisibley andice for all. Good evening, mayor and commissioners. We have two proclamations to present this evening. First one is for community
action month. Uh this will be accepted, I understand, by Tanya Johnson uh on behalf of Alpi. So if you'd come to the podium, I'll present the proclamation and then offer you time for comments. Our proclamation reads, "Whereas community action creates pathways to
prosperity by helping hardworking families achieve economic independence rather than keeping them reliant on government assistance. And whereas community action is built on innovative, responsive, and efficient programs that are uniquely tailored to meet local
needs. And whereas community action delivers high impact, cost-effective results that generate a significant return on investment for local communities. And whereas community action invests in private sector job creation and career training, ensuring
that communities grow through free market solutions. And whereas community action agencies are trusted pillars of the community that engage volunteers who donate their time to advance local progress, support working families, and contribute to lasting community success.
And whereas community action programs are both necessary and popular, delivering effective, highquality assistance that strengthens community resilience and fosters local prosperity. Now therefore, William Brian Yates, mayor of the city of Winter Haven,
Florida, does hereby proclaim May 2026 as Community Action Month in recognition of the hard work and dedication of all city of Winter Haven comm community action agencies. In witness whereof, he is here and to set his hand and cause the seal of the city of Winter Haven,
Florida to be affixed this 26th day of May, 2026. Signed, William Brian Yates, mayor. attest Vanessa Castillo, city clerk. So on behalf of the CEO, Arlene Dobson, we would like to thank the city of
Winter Haven and Mayor Yates for allowing this proclamation to be for the month of May for community action month. Thank you all so much. Mayor Commissioners, our second proclamation this evening is for
National Water Safety Month. Accepting on behalf of the city will be Adam Butler, Aquatic Supervisor. Whereas May 2026 is National Water Safety Month, and the goal is to educate the public, policy makers, and public
health professionals about safer water practices. And whereas drowning incidents occur due to a number of reasons including lack of swimming skills, first aid skills, barriers to prevent unsupervised water access, close supervision, failure to maintain pool
equipment leading to enttrapment, wearing life jackets, drinking alcohol responsibly, and not recognizing potential hazards such as rainfilled buckets, toilets, bathtubs, water coolers, retention ponds, canals, and neighboring pools.
And whereas drowning is the second leading cause of death in children under five in Pulk County. Fatal and non-fatal drownings are silent events occurring in as little as 2 in of water. And whereas water safety education plays a vital role in the
prevention of drowning and recreational water-based related injuries. And whereas it is a vital importance to communicate water safety rules and programs to families and individuals of all ages, including owners of private pools, users of public
swimming facilities, or visitors of water parks. And whereas local and national agencies such as the coalition on injury prevention of Pulk County, Safe Kids Sun Coast Coalition, City of Winter Haven Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, and their partnering
agencies educate Winter Haven residents on pool and open water safety. And whereas the city of Winter Haven recognizes the important role that swimming and aquatic related activities play in supporting good physical and mental health in enhancing the quality
of life for all residents and recognizes the ongoing efforts of the public and private sector to support water safety initiatives. Now therefore, William Brian Yates, mayor of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, does hereby proclaim May 2026 is National Water Safety Month in
the city of Winter Haven and extends continued support for the efforts of local agencies to promote water safety. In witness whereof, he is here to set his hand and cause the seal of the city of Winter Haven, Florida to be affixed this 26th day of May, 2026.
Signed, William Brian Yates, mayor. Attest Vanessa Castillo, city clerk. >> Good evening. Thank you so much, mayor and city commission. For those that don't know, my name is Adam Butler, and I'm proud to serve as the aquatic supervisor for the city. Living in
Florida, water is part of our lifestyle. Whether it is pools, lakes, beaches, or water parks, we are fortunate to be surrounded by opportunities for fun, recreation, and family memories. But with that privilege also comes an
important responsibility, water safety. As we recognize water safety month, I want to remind everyone that drowning is fast, silent, and preventable. Unfortunately, Florida continues to lead the nation in child drowning deaths. In
2025, Florida recorded 119 child drowning deaths with nearly 80% involving children under the age of three. Here in P County, the numbers are all are also concerning. Recent child fatality review data showed PK County had one of the highest drowning totals
in the state, reminding us that this issue impacts families right here at home. And in a city like Winter Haven, known for our beautiful chain of lakes and love for aquatic activities, water safety education is more important than ever. That is why our aquatics
department works hard year round to make swimming safer and more accessible for our community. Last year alone, we proudly provided 880 swim lessons to children and families throughout Winter Haven. Every single lesson teaches more than just swimming skills. It teaches
confidence, awareness, and life-saving habits. Sometimes the difference between a fun summer day and a tragedy is simply knowing what to do in and around the water. We are proud of the progress we have made, but we are also committed to doing
more. Our goal is to continue expanding swim lesson opportunities and water safety education so even more families in our community can feel confident and safe around the water. As we head into another Florida summer, I encourage everyone to remember the simple layers
of protection. Active supervision, swim lessons, life jackets, pool barriers, and CPR training. Together, these small actions truly save lives. Thank you for recognizing water safety month and for supporting efforts that help keep the
residents of Winter Haven safe, confident, and prepared around the water. Thank you. Thank you, Adam. Mr. Mayor, item 5C on your agenda this evening also falls under presentations. This is a update on uh events that occur
at Chain of Lakes Park both within our fieldhouse facility and at the newly renovated athletic complex, the outdoor baseball facilities. Like to invite Scott Eers to the podium to introduce our guests joining us from Central
Florida Sports, Visit P County Sports Marketing, whatever name they're using today. >> So, good evening, uh, Mr. Mayor, commissioners. Um, I'm going to invite Neil Duncan from Visit Central Florida Sports to come up and present these
slides and I'll be available for any questions that you might not be able to answer. >> Good evening, commissioners. Thank you so much for taking the time for us to uh really review the good news. And this partnership has been long-standing uh
all the way back to uh tourism when it got its start with Cypress Gardens uh here in Winter Haven. And of course in 2022 uh when we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the sport of water skiing and that was centered around Lake Silver and uh all the water activities here. So
an update to uh project as you know on December 3rd we cut the ribbon uh officially opening up the channel Lakes Park the baseball side. Of course, the fieldhouse has been open since, I believe it was December of 2019 and then obviously in 2020. We all
experienced what we did uh but got it back up and running. A true partnership between the city of Winter Haven and the board of county commissioners. Uh I want to thank staff. Uh we could not do what we do without the incredible staff that you have that work through parks and recreation and these facilities. uh
without their tireless efforts and dedication uh these events would not be possible and recruiting these events here to uh Winter Haven would not be possible. So a quick excuse me a quick synopsis. Uh if you look at the chain of lakes February through April of course that's
rustmat and if you remember the previous year the facility was open for rustmat had the event and closed it back down to complete the construction and once again uh the contractors and the city hit the date. Uh so if you look at February through April uh these numbers are
somewhat staggering. number of games played there, 270 number of innings, over 2,000. Uh $48 million plus is what the economic impact of Rustmat baseball is. 12 mill 12 million of that directly impacting the Winter Haven community,
but I'll actually argue that that number is greater. Rusmap baseball could not occur in PK County if it weren't for the Channel Lakes and the renovation that occurred. So, we thank you for that. Diamond Flex for the spring game. So, rust map baseball, what is it? is the largest college baseball spring training
event in the country. This is the softball version that is hosted in Pole County. There at the uh Diamond Flex, 212 games played, over 1,400 innings, 8 million of total economic impact in PK County with 6 million of that uh
impacting the city of Winter Haven. Also during that time more than a hundred total tournament days including the spring games as well as rustmat and then all these other events that were occurring in the city of Winter Haven
predominantly at the fieldhouse and then some supplemental events that were going on at the chain. Over 100 event days occurring uh here in Winterhaven more than 100,000 visits in three months to the city of Winter Haven. So, the true impact of these events coming into the
community. Again, we thank you for your commitment and your investment in these facilities, uh, not only is it impactful for the city of Winter Haven and guests coming in and bringing those sports tourism dollars in, but it's also the quality of life piece for the residents of the city of Winter Haven and their
ability to utilize these facilities as well. I did want to mention at Diamond Plex there was over 14,000 additional visits to Diamond Plex from the spring games alone. Oh, let me go back. So, we talked about some of the economic impact back on this
slide. 12 million 6 million. You see another 9.3 million from these events from the the chain from Diamond Plex and the Advent Health Fieldhouse. We also want to mention the fact that uh there's a vibrant arts community here in Winter Haven and these are events that
were going on at that same time at theater Winter Haven. So if you look at baseball and you look at the fieldhouse, oh by the way, you have a really good uh pool facility over there that was active during this time. And then the theater again figuring out how to make all this
work, how to get all those cars in and how to get those cars out, how to make sure that they go to all the establishments here uh in the business community. Again, I want to give kudos to staff. You see there are 28 performances and more than 6,000 guests were welcomed during that time period.
One thing that's very been very important to us and it's similar to the campaign we did some years ago with Legoland Florida Resort, the turn left campaign, taking those guests from Legoland and getting them into the business community uh down Cypress Gardens Boulevard and into the heart of
Winter Haven. Uh these QR codes are actually um geared towards pushing the participants. You see one's at the chain and one is at the uh Advent Health Fieldhouse into the business community. We partner with a a group called Play
Easy. It's a way for us to connect business community to the events. What is Play Easy? It's an all-in-one digital platform used to connect sports destinations with event organizers, facilities, and local vendors. This past year, Visit Central Florida Sports
helped to create more than 400 micro sites for events occurring in Pulk County. What does this allow to do? Well, it functions as a networking and marketing hub that streamlines sports tourism, and helping the user host events, manage hotel bookings, generate
event leads, and showcase venues. We've had multiple businesses right here in the Winter Haven community talk about how they go on Play Easy. They print off the calendar of events so they know exactly when to staff up or maybe in some instances staff down depending on what is coming into the community so
they can serve our guests because the number one thing that we want to do is have a great experience whether it's for leisure travelers for sports tourism every step of the way. Our frontline hotel or accommodations folks need to know what there is to do and how to get to folks to Legoland. our hotel, excuse
me, our restaurants need to know how to take on large groups when they come into our restaurants and turn it over quickly either to get them back on the court or onto the ball field. This allows us to do it. Recently, we had a testimonial, if you will, from Lucille, a business right here in town who is actively using
the platform. They print off the schedule of events every week. and they said that and this still blows my mind over 50% of their customers at Lucilles are new visitor new customers to their business that is a huge number this is
working now I can't claim all of that for visit central Florida sports but certainly the messaging and getting people into our community is working I also recently had a a message sent to me from Jimmy John's that said hey are you hosting a volleyball event over at the
fieldhouse said no but we're hosting the girls volleyball state championships at Pulk State College. The response was dot dot dot. Thanks for the business. They were on play easy. They found the information. They were going to that business community. So, we've also
populated it with our visitor experience um savings pass. So, those local discounts that we want to get in front of our visitors are being utilized through play easy. And in closing, and certainly uh open it up for any questions that you might have, this is
the Rustmat baseball page. In the bottom right, you can see where they've added our chatbot to their page. So, people are looking for all over the country to come into PK County looking for information on what there is to see and do in our community. They can go to the chatbot, get that information, and
they're already geared with where they want to go and what they want to see when they come into PK County. That concludes my uh presentation. I'd be happy to answer any questions or turn it over to Scott. >> So, I know this might be a tough
question to answer and you may not be prepared to answer tonight, but are we lacking anything at this point? Are we short hotel rooms? Are we short restaurants? Are we or have we kind of hit a sweet spot with the events? What's the view there?
>> Well, I'm going to answer it this way, Mr. Mayor. Uh we're selfish in P County. We think everything belongs in PK County. So, I'm always going to answer that question that we're short. But I think on the supply side, development, we've done a really good job in the last few years on the hotel side. Uh certainly on the vacation rentals. Uh
but the more that we can pair new opportunities with the existing opportunities and educating all those visitors, potential visitors into PK County on what there is to see and do, we will collectively win as a community. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mayor Commissioners. I just
add, you know, the quick math tells me that the engagements that we have with Central Florida Sports, um, in that period between what was shown within the Fieldhouse facility and then also at the Chainlakes baseball complex and Diamond
Plex, it's about a $27 million impact back into the community. That's in one year. Um it's pretty amazing to think, you know, how far that's come. The number of hotels that we have that have come online and those that are in the
queue to come out of the ground uh goes back to those types of events being here. It is providing a supply of of guests and they are providing the the rooms to meet that that demand. Um
certainly the restaurants everybody benefits from that and that I think that when we you know just kind of the sidebar that I' I've given before when we hear of talk impacting tourist development tax dollars at the state
legislature. The availability of those dollars is what helps market and promote and bring those tournaments to our community. And when those dollars, should they go away, everybody suffers. It's not just us as a facility owner
operator. Um, it's not just the restaurants. It's not just the the hotel itself, but it's also the staff that are employed there, housekeepers, waiters, waitresses, busers, our retail uh partners. So, great stuff happening.
We've got a great relationship with Central Florida Sports, and we just want to thank the team for for sharing the information. >> Well, thank you. And if I could just one one other thing on that, Mr. city manager. Uh continued investment and reinvestment in these facilities are going to be uh vitally important. Uh
because we don't have a beach here in P County and so we always like to refer to the sports tourism industry in Polek County as we've built our beach to go along with all the other great attractions and and things that people can experience here. Uh so continued investment but also the continued funding. So great point. Thank you so
much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, we've got no developments of no. We do have three sets of meetings uh meeting minutes uh set for approval. >> Mr. Mayor, >> yes. >> Move approval of all three sets of minutes.
>> Okay, motion's been made. Any further discussion or questions on the minutes as presented? All those in favor signify by saying I. I >> oppose like sign. Motion carries. Comments from the audience. Uh no one has signed up. However, if you would
like to speak on any uh item that is not in the agenda, now is an opportunity. So, I'll give you that opportunity if there's anyone who'd like to speak on an on any item not in the agenda. Okay. Seeing none, we'll move forward. Ordinance, second reading, public
hearing, ordinance 26-12. City attorney, will you read by title only, please? >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Ordinance number 0-26-12, an ordinance amending chapter 21 of the code of ordinances of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, by reszoning one parcel from mixed use MX zoning district to
commercial highway C3 zoning district, providing for the administrative correction of screeners areas, repealing all ordinances in conflict here with, and providing an effective date. The general location 2001 First Street North. The area covered by this request is 0.46 plus or minus acres. Thank you.
>> Thank you, city manager. Mayor, commissioners, Beacon 6 Holdings LLC requests the city reszone one parcel from mixed use zoning district to commercial highway C3 zoning district. As noted, this is approximately 46 acres. The petitioner owns the parcels
to the southwest and southwest of the subject property, all of which are currently zoned to C3. Those are reflected on the image on your screens in the blue boxes. The parcel under consideration this evening of second read is the parcel in red. Petitioner
proposes to redevelop the site with a convenience store with fuel sales in conjunction with the three adjacent parcels under their ownership. This use is not permitted within the MX zoning district, but is allowed within the C3 zoning district. We note um in your fact
sheet the surrounding uses, which I believe you're familiar with. This is the intersection of First Street and MLK Boulevard. Um the subject property is designated as a primary mixeduse hub future land use. The request for the C3 zoning district
is consistent with that future land use designation. All notification requirements for this request were met. The planning commission at its April 7th, 2026 regular meeting voted to recommend approval of this request. No members of the public spoke in favor or
against the item. Staff's conclusion is that based on the subject property's location, at a major intersection, the surrounding pattern of commercial and vacant properties, and the petitioner's ownership of adjacent C3 zoned parcels. The requested reszoning to commercial highway C3 is appropriate and compatible
with surrounding area. The proposed zoning will allow for a use that is consistent with nearby development while establishing uniform zoning across the petitioner's properties to ensure cohesive site design and development standards. The request is consistent with the primary mixeduse hub future
land use designation and will not increase development intensity or create additional impacts to public infrastructure beyond what is currently permitted. Staff's recommending the city commission approve ordinance 02612 on second and final reading. Thank you, sir.
>> Thank you, commissioners. >> Mr. Mayor, >> yes. >> Move approval of ordinance 02612, second reading, public hearing. >> Thank you. A motion's been made. We'll close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to this item? Seeing none, we'll close the public
hearing, reopen the city commission meeting. Any uh further discussions or questions on this item? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying I. I. Oppose. Like sign. Motion carries. >> Okay. Ordinance O-26-15.
City attorney title only, please. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Ordinance number 0-26-15 an ordinance of the city of Winter Haven, Florida, amending ordinance number 0-25-29 regarding appropriation of funds for deferring expenses of the municipal government of the city of Winter Haven for the fiscal year commencing October
1, 2025, providing for severability for the administrative correction of scrier errors, and providing for an effective date. Thank you. >> Thank you, city manager. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Commission. Uh, the city commission awarded RFQ215 to Whitehead Construction on June 23rd,
2025 for design build services at the Diamond Plex softball complex with a guaranteed maximum price not to exceed 2,341,36. The general fund transferred a portion of the commission approved 1 mill for capital projects in fiscal year 25
totaling $1 million in fiscal year 26 totaling1,152,447 for a total contribution of $2,152,447. That money was placed in the construction fund specifically for this project. A budget amendment is required to authorize the additional expenditure
and funding sources associated with the guaranteed maximum price. The requested amendment therefore will transfer $100,000 within the construction fund, $32,858 from the transportation fund
specifically for roadway improvements associated with the project, and $15,000 from the general fund for the additional expenditures in the amount of $188,859. The balance of the additional expenditures totaling $41,01
is available from cost savings within the Diamond Plex softball improvement project. Staff's recommending the city commission approve ordinance 2615 on second and final reading and authorize the city manager or designate to sign all documents and take all necessary actions
related there too. Thank you. >> Thank you commissioners. >> Mr. Mayor, >> yes. >> Move approval of 2615 second reading public hearing. Motion's been made for approval. We'll close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to this item. Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing, reopen
the city commission meeting. Any further discussions or questions on this item? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> All oppose like sign. Motion carries. >> Commissioners, you have the consent agenda. >> Mr. Mayor, >> yes.
>> Move approval of the consent agenda in its entirety. >> Thank you. Motion has been made to approve the consent agenda. We'll close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to any item within the consent agenda. Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing, reopen the city commission meeting. Any
other questions or discussion on any item within the consent agenda? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying I. I oppose like sign. Motion carries. We have two resolutions. Uh, resolution R-26-15.
City Attorney. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This title is a long one, so bear with me. Resolution R-26-15. A resolution vacating a portion of an improved ride ofway consisting of a 40 to 60 foot wide north south platted
rightway lying west of lots 145 88 91 12 13 and 16 and east of lots 2367 10 11 14 and 15 of the Lake Eloise subdivision as recorded in platbook 3 page 57 public records of Poke County Florida lying in section 4 township 29 south range 26
east Poke County Florida and lying east of track Q of Harmony at Lake Eloise phase 3A today as recorded in platbook 208 pages 23 through 28 of the public records of Pope County, Florida, and lying west of two parcels of land described in a deed in favor of Fourstar
Princy USA close parenthesy real estate group Inc. has recorded in official records book 11483 page 0957 of the public records of Poke County, Florida as parcels 11 and 12. All lying within section 9 trip 29 south range 26 east Pope County Florida and west of the
northern 230 feet of the park tract of the Valhalla subdivision as recorded in platbook 67 page 34 lying in section 9 29 south range 26 east Poke County Florida and east of track Q of the harmony at Lake Eloise phase 3A subdivision that's recorded in platbook
208 pages 23 through 28 public records of Pope County Florida lying in sections 4 and 9 township 29 south range 26 East Poke County, Florida, together with those sections of West Lake Eloise Drive as depicted on the Poke County maintained right-of-way map as recorded
in mapbook 2, page 306 of the public records of Poke County lying within the southern half of section 4, Tonra 29 south, range 26 east, and the northern half of section 9, toner 29 south, range 26 east, Poke County, Florida, and
providing for severability, the administrative correction of scrimmers and providing for an effective state. The general location, the improved rightway is located approximately 1,800 ft north of Eloise Loop Road, northwest of the entrance to the Valhalla subdivision and south of Shell Road.
Thank you. >> Thank you, city manager. Do you have less words? >> I do. Mr. Labby will present this item >> again. I will summarize all of that. As part of the development of the
Harmony subdivision, Fourstar envisioned a realigned Westlake Eloise Road. It was required in the PUD. They constructed that new road. Um, and then they requested a vacation of the existing West Lake Eloise Drive. On December 8th,
2025, the city commission approved resolution R2552, which vacated the old West Lake Eloise rightway and accepted the newly constructed Westlake Eloise road realignment. However, there was an error found, excuse me, in the legal
description of that resolution. Uh, additionally, staff uncovered a old Pulk County maintained rideway map which should have been referenced within that um resolution. Therefore, we have made those corrections to the legal
description. The maps that were in that resolution were correct, but there was an error in the legal description. We have made those corrections uh and referenced the maintained rightaway map. Um, and so staff does recommend the city commission approve resolution R2615.
>> Thank you, commissioners. >> Mr. Mayor, >> yes. >> Motion to approve resolution R 2615. >> Thank you. All right. Motion's been made. We'll close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to this item? Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing, reopen
the city commission meeting. Any further questions or discussion on this item? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying I. I >> oppose like sign. Motion carries. >> Okay. Resolution R-26-17. City attorney. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Resolution
R-26-17, a resolution confirming the acceptance of the remaining improvements, infrastructure, and dedications in favor of the public city of Winter Haven is notated on that certain plat entitled Willoughbrook North recorded in the office of the clerk of the circuit court in Fort Poke County, Florida in platbook
214, pages 4 through19, public records of Poke County, Florida, and authorizing the city manager to release the performance bond posted to guarantee completion of required improvements and infrastructure. The general location subdivision is generally located south of Lousern Park Road, west of Lake Fanny
and north of the Lake Smart Lake Fanny Canal. Thank you. >> Thank you, city manager. >> Again, Mr. Lavyby will present this item. >> Sir, Mr. Mayor, on uh March 10th, 2025, the city commission approved resolution R2503
platting the Willough North subdivision. There was a performance bond issued uh in the amount of 7,235,221.79. On August 11th, 2025, the city commission approved resolution R2534 to accept those improvements, infrastructure, and dedications
associated with phases one and two and accepted a reduced performance bond in the amount of 5,69,7118 to ensure completion of phases three and four of the Will Will Willoughbrook subdivision. Recent inspections by staff found all remaining incomplete
improvements associated with with phases three and four are now complete in the water, wastewater, and reuse utilities can now be accepted by the city. The city will not be accepting maintenance responsibilities for the drainage infrastructure or the internal rights of
way within the subdivision. Staff recommends the city commission approve resolution R2617 and authorize the city manager or designate to take any necessary action related Thank you, commissioners. >> Mr. Mayor, >> yes.
>> Um, motion to approve resolution R 2617. >> Thank you. Motion's been made. We'll close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to this item? Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing, reopen the city commission meeting. Any other for discussion or questions on this item?
Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying I. >> Opposed like sign. Motion carries. We've got no first readings this evening. However, we do have some new business items. First one is our grant aid application review committee recommendations for fiscal year 27 grant
awards. City manager. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'd like to start off by recognizing two members of our great a application review committee. Tina Summerland and I saw Melinda Caligritus was here and may still be in the building, but those are two of the
individuals uh who serve on that committee uh to bring this item forward this evening. On May 9th, 2022, the city commission passed resolution R2219 officially establishing the grant and aid application review committee or GARK
as we call it internally. On September 22nd of 25, the commission passed resolution 2548, further refining the structure of the GAR. This committee evaluates the applications and provides a recommendation to the city commission
specific to the external notfor-profit agencies seeking grant funding. Refinements to the process were recommended, approved by vote of the city commission, and implemented for the fiscal year 25 or 26 27 application cycle. So, we're discussing uh grants
that would be awarded post October 1st of 2026, hence being next fiscal year. Uh those recommendations included excluding schools and foundations from the funding process, funding legacy agencies at their existing levels, but
only after a review of their application proves continued compliance and worthiness. setting the starting budget level at a 10% increase on last year's total awarded amount. That equates to a total of $382,537 that the committee had to work with in
in recommending grant awards. And then to prioritize the following factors, programs that serve children, programs that serve the elderly, programs that serve individuals experiencing homelessness, and programs that demonstrate strong fiscal responsibility. measur measurable impact
and a clear return on investment. Four training sessions were held for potential applicants. Those those training sessions are mandatory so that they understand the process before submitting applications. Via those training sessions, 118
individuals representing 97 unique organizations attended. The window for agencies to submit applications opened online March 2nd, 2026 and closed March 13, 2026.
A total of 58 applications were received. City staff performs a completeness or sufficiency audit specific to the applicants attending a training, a minimum of two years serving Winter Haven residents, an inclusion of the required budget document, IRS
determination, Sunbiz verification, and W9. staff worked with applications whose application worked with applicants whose applications were incomplete to ensure all requirements were met before the end of the application correction window of
April 10th, 2026. All applications were provided to the committee on May 5th and again on May 15 of this year. The committee met in John Fuller Auditorium to review and deliberate on the applications. Both of
those meetings were properly noticed by the city clerk. For each application, the committee reviewed the appropriateness of the application for consideration of funding or to deny the application. Committee members with conflicts of interest verbally disclosed those conflicts, filed form 8b, and
recused themselves from voting on applicable organizations. Applicants that attended the meetings were allowed to address the committee when recognized by the chair to answer questions or offer additional context. One organization pulled their
application from consideration of funding via comment at the meeting followed by a formal request in writing. A motion was made to approve an initial set of award recommendations for 57 applicants excluding three organizations
with a with a filed conflict of interest. Uh and that motion passed unanimously. So what happened there was the the individual that had a conflict of interest on the committee recused themselves from those votes. The rest of the committee voted on everything but those or they voted all five voted on
everything with the the exception of those for which there was a conflict. A second motion was made to approve award recommendations uh for the organizations where a filed conflict of interest form was submitted. and we're going to recommend the city commission follow a
similar process and I'll I'll explain that in just a bit. Um that motion passed unanimously uh and uh committee member Abdul Abdul Alcatib recused himself from the vote because of the conflict. A third and final motion was made to authorize that
complete set of funding recommendations and forward the same to the city commission which is what you have before you this evening. That motion also passed unanimously. With respect to the 27 application, the uh committee recommends allocation of
funds as outlined in your fact sheet. Um I'm going to invite Katrina Hill to the podium to walk you through this. Uh we had a I think a good conversation on this Wednesday evening during agenda review. Um but I'll let her take it from
here. I with respect to actions by the commission this evening following her review of the information. It would be appropriate that if any commissioner has a conflict of interest due to an affiliation with any of those that are
recommended for approval that they identify that and um we will have you fill out the correct form 8B and then we will identify how to proceed with any vote on recommendations at that time. So
Katrina >> thank you. Yes, the committee met um twice as city manager mentioned um for multiple hours each time. They reviewed each application um one at a time really digging into the details and looking at all of the
documents that were submitted and all of the budgets and um for returning applicants a specific focus on their reporting to make sure that their receipts and their reports matched what they had applied for the year before. Um you all have a spreadsheet included in your agenda packet. You can see the
breakdown of the awards. Um, a quick summary, they did recommend all six legacy agencies to be funded at the same amount as last year with the exception of Meals on Wheels, which they actually recommended a slight increase to 25,000, citing food costs. Looking at returning
agencies, they did not fund all returning agencies. Most were funded at a similar level to what they had last year or a slight increase with one having a larger increase. um actually being awarded slightly above what they
asked for due to what they felt was a very strong reporting recordkeeping and an application. And then of the new applicants, they didn't even fund half of them. They really scrutinized them closely to make sure that they were funding worthwhile projects that um aligned with your
direction that you had provided for them. So, I'm happy to answer any questions on anything. >> Thank you. Commissioners, >> mayor, just let me elaborate on that just a bit. So again, the um the total amount recommended to be
awarded was $358,500. So the committee was given more than that but through their scrutiny and their diligence in reviewing uh and really evaluating these applications they're not recommending the full
expenditure of the budget afforded to them to work with. Uh it leaves a balance of $24,037 from that original $382,537 budget and that's noted on page five of your fact sheet beneath the table just
for reference. Commissioners, >> it would be appropriate to have disclosure of any conflict would be as I mentioned in our in our Wednesday meeting that conflict of interest for me and also uh I'll let him speak for himself
>> and also for me >> for which for which commissioner about this Are there any other conflicts any of the other agencies anybody has? So when you following your deliberations
um if there's a recommendation to proceed, we would ask that it be absent uh the First Missionary Baptist Church um recommendation from the fact sheet and that be handled. Everybody can vote on
that and then that one if uh would need to be without Commissioner Birdong and Commissioner D. If there is such a motion or action to be taken. >> Thank you. Commissioners, is there a motion?
>> I'll make a motion that we approve the exemptions um for Mr. Donaldson and Commissioner. >> Okay. We don't need a motion on that particular item, right? We would need a
motion for approval on this excluding that item. >> Okay. I'll make a motion that we approve the grant name application review by the committee for um FY27 grant awards excluding the Commissioner
Dison and Commissioner. >> Okay. City attorney, are we right in that process? >> Yes. I think that the minutes will be reflected to that Commissioner Mercer has made a motion to approve the grant and aid advisory review committee's recommendations for all of the agencies
with the exception of the First Missionary Baptist Church. So that may be voted on separately so that Commissioner Dison and Commissioner Birds may recuse themselves from voting on that particular item. So before you on the motion are all of the other uh
agencies that the grant native review committee has deliberated on that Miss Hill has discussed and the fact sheet outlines those are what is the subject of the motion that commissioner Mercer has made to approve the funding levels recommended by the committee. Okay.
>> Okay. So motion's been made. We'll proceed with the normal process. Now we'll close the commission meeting. We'll open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to this agenda item? Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing, reopen the city commission
meeting. Commissioners, any other questions or comments on this item? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, first, um, I want to have ask a few clarifying questions. Um, looking at the applications, I I uh went through and looked at the spreadsheets to see
which expenditures were highlighted as as using city funds. Um, and I saw some of those had administrative costs, including salaries, pensions, insurance. Would that be correct? >> Yes, there are no guidelines against that at this time. Sure. The committee
has noted that is something they would like to discuss in the fall for potential future changes. >> Okay. And I'd asked that agenda review. I um I asked attorney Drew Crawford who um advised the committee the question as to whether or not we can put stipulations and I think where we landed
was not really. We can express that we'd rather the money not be used on those items, but if they use them then all we can do is next time around take that into consideration. >> It would be difficult to to >> it would be difficult to put stipulations. Yeah. So, um, so then I also want to ask that includes, I
believe one organization wanted to use tax dollars to buy gift cards to hand out to homeless people. Is that correct? >> My understanding of that application, it's it's gift cards for incentives to get folks to come in and get um health testing. >> Okay. So, tax dollars to buy gift cards
to give to people as incentives to get them to come in for health testing. That is my understanding of the >> and there was um I'm sorry I there was one organization that was handing out turkeys. Uh do you do you remember what which one that was? I was at the committee meeting and I I remember there
was a heated conversation that seemed to go back and forth about how that money was being spent. >> Yes. So there was one application that runs a feeding ministry that um it it was First Missionary Baptist Church I believe that in their reporting had indicated that they had also handed out
cooked turkeys as part of an extra Thanksgiving feeding ministry. Um and there was there was some discussion around that at the committee meeting as well. I don't know if committee members want to elaborate on that or not. >> Okay. All right. Um then I'm unless
there's any other questions I I I'd like to make some comments uh before we proceed with our vote. >> Um one clarifying question on on the gift cards. Is there a max price on the gift cards that we're we're we're going to be
giving out and are they exclusive to food? I would assume. I >> mean just a minute. I'm trying to remember the name of the organization so I can >> No problem. >> Positively you. >> I'm sorry.
>> The positively you is the organization I believe. >> Well, there wasn't any recommendation to give them any money. So, >> yeah, there is. >> Oh, yeah, there is 2500. I'm sorry. I was looking at the wrong line. >> Got them. >> I believe it was to provide their culturally preferred foods instead of
handing them food. >> Um, let's see. Hygiene products, nutrition gift cards, um, $25 gift cards toward a range of small businesses, including markets and groceries that are frequented by the focus population. >> Thank you.
Um, I know we've got a couple of committee members here. Would you like to say anything on the process or >> did did you want to say anything on the committee on as a committee member? >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'm Tina
Summerland and I'm here stand for any questions that you all may have of the committee of the grant and aid committee. Um, I don't have anything to add at this time, but I stand for any questions. >> Thank you. I just want to give a thanks to the committee members who are here tonight
and to all of the committee members who go through this process. We used to do this process on the commission level. We like you guys doing it uh a lot better um because you can take a lot more time into each request. Um it I think the
process has certainly been refined over the years. Can it continue to get better? Absolutely. and it sounds like you guys certainly have a willingness to continue to refine it. So, just thank you so much for your your service on this committee.
>> Um, with that, >> Mr. Mr. Mayor, may I make a just a additional um item of note um that your fact sheet reflects is that mo very recently Governor DeSantis signed into law uh Senate Bill 1134
uh which is entitled uh relating to official actions of local governments. It'll be codified into the laws of Florida and it will um take effect January 1 of 2027. So that's during the funding cycle that this action would
contemplate starting October 126. It essentially u it it prohibits municipalities from funding or promoting directly or indirectly or taking any official actions. Um that's defined broadly um that would relate to
diversity, equity, and inclusion matters. Um and so we are we have in conjunction with city staff developed a certification document that all applicants who are successful in this process must sign and certify that the
funds they receive from the city are not going to be utilized for the purposes that are prohibited um under under the new state law. and that will be something that they'll sign and certify to the city so that we can have at least
that certification on file. Um certainly as that law takes effect. Um you know there's no there's no guidance yet on that that I'm aware from either our Florida attorney general or from cases but there may be uh as that law um
begins on January 1st of 2027. Just wanted to make that as part of the record and for your information. I think we briefly talked about that at the agenda review session on Wednesday. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other questions, comments? Yes, sir. >> All right. Um I I took some notes. I
want to make sure I had this organized. Uh first, I I want to recognize that I do believe everyone sitting up here, my colleagues on the commission and our city staff, our committee, um that you all care very deeply about this city and you were just trying to help the city. I I don't question anyone's intentions and
I'm actually am uh proud to serve alongside you in trying to help all of our citizens. Um but uh respectfully I'm going to be voting no on this because um because of two reasons really. Uh one is more I have some ethical concerns. I
think we have a fiduciary duty to be good stewards with these tax dollars. And as I reviewed the applications, I saw uh administrative salaries, pensions, insurance benefits, gift cards, travel, lodging, restaurants, um and other internal expenses that have been built into the budgets using city
dollars. And uh these costs, they don't directly benefit the people that the organizations claim to serve. Uh in many cases, I actually believe that our money is benefiting the organizations more than they are the population they're seeking to serve. Um, this creates a real potential for fraud, waste, and
abuse and conflicts and uh, and I believe that this program lacks the accountability measures and without those clear controls, reporting requirements, um, I won't be able to support distributing the funds in this way. But I also have more of a philosophical concern. I just don't think it's good public policy uh, to
take tax dollars from the community at large and then redirect them uh, to more of a subgroup that does not provide a common good to the entire city. Um and and one example I want to use and how I think we're approaching this is how we deal with with homeless. We have quite a few programs here that are addressing
food insecurity and and those who are unhoused. And while that's noble, you know, we have organizations like the mission that do that very well. Um and they're not even asking for money. Um so and and to my knowledge, they have capacity to serve our homeless population. But where we need a where we
have a common good need is actually in shelter. Not a single one of these organizations help out with the shelter side of things. Um, so and that and by the way, that's the biggest complaint I've heard since I've been on this commission has been, you know, dealing with some of the the trespass and nuisance issues that come from some
folks whether unhoused or not. Uh, we just don't have a shelter to be able to take them to that. So, uh, stay tuned. I am working on some ideas with that. But, uh, but that's just one example where I don't believe these organizations are necessarily meeting a common good, even though they're serving some folks in our
community. Um, by contrast, I look at Cypress Gardens water ski team as an excellent common good. They do something that's free for the public. It's open to everyone. They're great ambassadors for our city to those who come from outside of the city. Um, they don't ask for much, but I'd even support giving them more money because I think what they do
is very important to our community, our heritage, and our our our legacy. Um, so, you know, for those reasons, uh, without the accountability, without the structure we need to ensure this money is being used properly, um, I'm not going to be able to support it this year. and I hope that in the fall we can revisit it and add some stronger
controls and criteria uh to prevent the misuse of funds. Uh so with that, I just wanted to explain to the public why I'm going to be voting no. >> Okay. All right. U any other questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying I.
>> I. >> I. Sorry. >> Yeah. >> Everybody votes on this one. >> Yes. Everyone votes on this one. >> Okay. All oppose like sign. >> No. >> Okay. Motion carries.
With that, we'll move forward to uh the comprehensive agreement. >> I know you've got one more vote you need to do on >> Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. My my apologies. >> So, that vote again was for all the agencies except for those which there was a conflict. Yes. Thus, everybody could vote. Now, you'll need a motion to
consider specifically the funding for uh First Missionary Baptist Church and Commissioner Dawson and Commissioner Bird Song will need to recuse themselves for due to a conflict. >> I jinxed myself on Wednesday night. I knew I was going to mess that up.
>> It's okay. >> It's complicated. >> Okay. Well, with that, uh, Commissioner Mercer or Commissioner Davis, is there a motion? Okay, Mr. Mayor, I'll make a motion that we approve uh First
Missionary Be Church and and their um funding. >> Thank you. All right, a motion has been made. We'll close the uh commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to this item? Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing, reopen the city commission
meeting. Any other questions or discussion on this item? All those in favor signify by saying I. I >> I >> oppose like sign. >> No. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Now we'll move to the
comprehensive agreement. City manager. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Let me just pull up the uh the item here if you just a second. Okay. On October 13th of 2025, the city
received an unsolicited proposal from 610 LLC pursuant to section 255.065 of the Florida statutes, also known as the P3 or public private partnership act.
The proposal was to construct and sell a new 292 space parking facility on property owned by Urban Action LLC, generally located at the northeast corner of Avenue C Southwest and Third Street Southwest.
Pursu pursuant to Florida statutes, the city commission convened two duly noticed public meetings. On November 24th of 2025, the proposal was presented and affected public entities and members of the public were provided a were able
to provide comment. On December 8th of 2025, the city commission adopted resolution 2558, making the determination that the proposal serves a public purpose using all five statutoily defined factors for
determining such and is a qualifying project pursuant to the P3 act and declaring its intent to enter into a comprehensive agreement. A notice of the unsolicited proposal and report of public interest determination was
published in the Florida Administrative Register for at least seven days as required by Florida statutes. The proposed comprehensive agreement between the city 610 LLC and Urban Action LLC defines the terms, duties,
rights, and responsibilities of the parties pursuant to permitting, construction, sale, and purchase of a new 192 space parking facility for public use as a city of Winterhaven capital asset. Pursuant to the
comprehensive agreement, 610 shall be responsible for the design, permitting, and construction of the parking facility as a design build project. 610 has retained Whitehead, a design builder that is experienced in the design and
construction of multi-level parking facilities. The city's representatives, which is the second item uh for your consideration. Uh following this, shall evaluate and review interim designs, plans, and permitting documents. And upon
permitting of the final design, 610 shall construct the parking facility and cause the final building to be delivered to the city at a guaranteed maximum price of 10,217,496. In addition, Urban Action LLC, the owner of the land on which the facility is
proposed to be constructed, will convey that land to the city once the parking facility building is complete and the purchase price is paid. The comprehensive alg agreement also provides for the following city approved change orders, city land inspection
period of 120 days, permit approval period of 120 days which runs concurrently with the land inspection period. a right to cancel the agreement due to any conditions discovered prior to construction which render the property impossible for construction or
where the cost to cure such condition exceeds 5% of the construction budget performance bond title insurance and survey requirements the conditions of closing liability insurance requirements and conditions of default and remedies
with respect to the financial impact the city will utilize ies 2,279,455 from the fisc year 25 cash carry forward, $4,49,625 from the construction fund balance restricted for the parking garage, and
3,528,416 from the transportation fund savings from logistics Parkway Polar Road improvement project. The construction of a parking facility is not specifically design defined as a goal or strategy within our strategic plan. However, it is aligned with the
responsible government infrastructure and economic development strategic pillars. Additionally, it's consistent with the findings and recommendations of the downtown strategic and mobility master plan which was completed in 2022.
Furthermore, in November of 2025, after receiving the unsolicited proposal, city staff obtained an independent analysis of the proposal from Walker Consultants, which evaluated the cost effectiveness of the proposed parking garage relative to current Florida market conditions,
the overall public benefit in the context of the Walker prepared downtown strategic and mobility master plan of 22, and area infrastructure compatibility. Based on that independent analysis, Walker Consultants concluded that the
proposed parking garage submitted in the unsolicited proposal to the city demonstrated both cost effectiveness and overall public benefit pursuant to section 255.065 of the Florida statutes. Staff is recommending the city
commission approve the comprehensive agreement for the construction of a new 292 space parking facility and authorize the mayor and other city officials to execute the same and authorize the city manager or designate to take all necessary actions related to the city's
performance under the comprehensive agreement. On your screen you see renderings of the parking garage from multiple angles and elevations. Again, this is located located at the intersection of Avenue C Southwest and
Third Street Southwest, generally south of the Southeastern University campus. And due north of the Grove Roots Brewing Company, the map uh that's depicted now within the orange or I'm sorry, the red box uh that is the portion of the
property that would be ultimately sold to the city following construction of the parking garage. entrance would be off of Avenue C generally towards the uh I guess the eastern end of the project.
Um we are uh working through all of our due diligence on the land. Um we noted in the uh in the agenda review this is a site that at one time did have a gas station on it and is part of the
statewide petroleum cleanups. um that all of the infrastructure related to that uh gas station was removed. Uh ground watering ground monitoring wells were installed and there is a closeout process underway uh with our hopes that
that will fully wrap up during this calendar year. However, all the costs associated with that monitoring and related work are funded through the uh the petroleum fund administered by DP.
Um this is again as I explained a case where uh what groundwater issues there are underneath where the parking garage is to be constructed. Uh the best solution for that outside of digging down to significant depths and removing
it is to cap in place which is a common mitigation strategy. Building a parking garage on that property certainly does that. There is uh prohibitions against putting wells uh water wells in that area. There's no need for that. This garage will be on the city's water
system. Uh there is not any storm water issues related with that. uh and we have worked diligently through the city attorney's office as well as the attorneys representing uh 610 and urban action on all those matters and are comfortable moving forward with that.
Um, the second item that we're going to ask you to consider following your action on this one, should you uh should you approve the recommendation would be an authorization to bring on Kimley Horn and associates to serve as the city's
representative in all of those items related to oversight and in working with the reviews and monitoring of the project, uh, the due diligence and the like. And we'll consider that one separately. But when I referenced um the city's uh the city's role in this, they
we bring in a a private contractor to help us uh manage through that. Uh and that is a requirement of the P3 act as well. I do know that um members of the P3 unsolicited proposal team are here.
Uh I see Mr. Baker, Mr. Strang along with their legal counsel. uh and certainly entertain any questions that you have for myself and staff or to direct towards them. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um just a quick statement from myself. Due to a potential
conflict, I'll not give my opinions, enter into the discussion or vote on this item. If this were to pass or fail, the mayor protend would sign any official documents needed. >> With that, commissioners, >> Mr. Mayor, >> yes. Move approval of the comprehensive
agreement for the proposed 292 space parking facility and the implementation of such. Thank you. Motion's been made. We'll close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to
this item? >> Seeing none. >> Mr. Mr. Mayor, just to commission, just as a a footnote to what the city manager has said and for the record and following along the comments that were made at the Wednesday's agenda review session, there are a couple things that I just wanted to point out for the record that are contained within the
comprehensive agreement. And they are really pertaining to the city's ultimate obligations as it relates to the land in question. And that is that we have a 120day land inspection period which is a correlary to the 120 days that the private partner has to obtain their
permits, get the construction plans approved and move forward hopefully with a permit to get things going during that land use inspection period. If the city were to terminate the agreement for reasons based on uh matters associated with what has already been disclosed,
then there would be uh some potential exposure to some of the things that have been ordered by this entity. I understand as soon as perhaps tomorrow, they may try to place orders on things that are long lead time or to maintain
the costs at the $10.2 million, you know, at that level. And so there would be a potential potential for $1,540,000 um as a as a uh potential pardon me, 15601,560,000. Um but again, that would be only in the
eventuality that there was something that would that has been disclosed and something further in that area showed up. Um, as you can see from exhibit B attached to the comprehensive agreement, they have had uh their
environmental uh folks through CES make certain inquiries and our Kimley Horn folks will do the same. As the city manager noted, uh there's also a cooperation agreement that we are uh calling as a condition of
closing. Um that is a cooperation agreement with urban action, the land owner, to make sure that they are um on the hook for any costs associated with further cleanup or further closure. Um and to make sure and ensure that the
site access agreement with FD that's in place right now remains in place for as long as necessary. If you can look at the red outline piece that there's more land um that urban action owns and so there may be a requirement to put
monitoring wells on lands that we're not buying in order to come to closure with FT. So we want that to be at the responsibility of the land owner um as it currently has that obligation under the site access agreement. Just wanted to add that for the record and I miss
Rubenstein is here um as the attorney presenting uh urban action in 610. Um if she has any further clarification on that, but that is that is part of the agreement. Okay. All right. Since we've had those added comments, I'll give one other
opportunity for any public comment on this item. Seeing none, we'll move forward. All those uh excuse me, any other questions or discussions on this item? Yes, sir. >> Yes, please. This is my first bite of the garage apple, so I I would like to ask a few questions. Um first of all
just to try to understand this 3P process. Uh what we had here we had our consultants back when was it 2021 identify some properties where they suggested we may need a parking lot in the future. >> 2022. >> 2022. Okay. Very good. And uh and then
we received an unsolicited proposal from the land owner that was willing to build and develop this garage and then sell it to us. And uh and I believe wasn't wasn't that um going to be added cost savings to us ultimately per space was
that what our consultants had identified based Thank you for that question. Based upon the comparative costs of other parking structures being constructed at the same time or in in recent months
leading up to that proposal. Uh it was a it was a lower cost than what we had seen with other garages. And I will also add we had begun to assess what a garage may cost us uh following the 2022
uh report. Just what does that look like? Um and those numbers again the economy drives a lot of that were significantly higher. Okay. And then there's also I believe the timeline it'll probably be done quicker than we could do it ourselves. Correct.
>> Okay. Um and I those renderings are beautiful. No doubt it's going to be a very well done garage, thankfully since it's right in view from my balcony. Um, so I uh I I'm actually enthusiastically supporting this project. These are the kind of projects we want, folks who care
about our community, who see a need and are willing to provide it. Um, so I just want to commend those who are working on this project and thank you for for being leaders in our community, helping develop our community. Um, and that's all I got. >> Thank you, commissioners. Any other questions or comments on this item?
Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying I. >> Opposed like sign. Motion carries. >> And the record will reflect that that was a 40 vote with the mayor refusing. >> Okay. With that, we'll move on to 13C task order with Kimley Horn from
Magnolia Park Garage. >> So, Mr. Mayor, um we've talked about this. I'm going to ask deputy city manager to uh present this item as he's been the lead on on negotiating this one. >> Good evening mayor and city commission. So pursuant to the comprehensive agreement which you just approved 610
LLC shall be responsible for design permitting and construction of the parking facility. The city's representative shall evaluate and review interim designs plans and permitting documents and upon permitting of the final design 610 LLC shall construct the parking facility and cause the final
building to be delivered to the city. Cities worked with Kimley Horn to develop a task order via RFQ201. That's our master continuing services contract for professional services to provide services as the city's representative which was noted above. Uh which generally includes independent
professional review of design documents, advisory support during during permitting, construction phase advisory services and limited observation, cost schedule and value engineering advisory input and assistance with project closeout documentation. This work also includes the analysis of environmental
site condition assessments and a report that includes recommendations to address any environmental contamination concerns. Kimley Horn will perform this work for a lump sum fee of $285,000 to be paid from transportation fund savings from Logistics Parkway improvement project and staff recommends
the city commission approve the task order with Kimley Horn and authorize the city manager or his designate to execute the task order with Kim Horn and take any and all necessary actions related there too. >> Thank you. City attorney, did you have anything on this? >> No, sir. Nothing. >> Laura.
>> All right. Well, I will abstain from this one as well for the previous stated reason. >> Mr. Mayor, >> yes. >> Move approval of task order with Kim Horn for the parking garage and authorize staff to do all the implementation.
>> Thank you. Motion's been made. We'll close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to this item? Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing, reopen the city commission meeting. Commissioners, any questions or comments on this item? Seeing none, all those in favor signify
by saying I >> oppose like sign. Motion carries. 40. >> Thank you. >> Okay, that's all I've got on my agenda. >> That's it. That's
>> so we'll move forward to the uh city commissioner liaison report. Um Commissioner Davis. >> All right. It's been a busy couple weeks. Of course, we started off with our DC trip right after our last meeting that was eventful. Uh but we did have some very productive meetings. I really
enjoyed getting to spend time with each of you and and uh it was fun in its own way. Um, then of course it was been graduation season with my role with the Pulk County Public Schools. I got to participate in multiple graduations. Uh, I went to
Auburndale High School. Even though I'm a Blue Devil, it's it's okay. I went to Lake Regions as well, George Senkins, and then Winter Havens last Friday, which was just wonderful. Um, I also attended the DARE graduation. Great job. I had never Well, I guess I I was went
when I was in fifth grade, but I haven't been to one like we do now. and it was fantastic. The energy was high. The kids were really into it. I I enjoyed that. It'll be I can't miss every year for me. So, I'm looking forward to next year. Uh I also attended the uh public safety leadership council graduation. Uh
briefly I was there for for the opening for that. Um yesterday I went to the Cypress Gardens water ski team show that they did for Memorial Day. That was very nice. And then uh today I attended the Winter Haven Chamber lunchon. Uh those are the events I attended. But, uh, commissioners, I also mentioned agenda
review. I was going to be making a motion. Um, you know, we discussed, uh, briefly I I had analyzed the data we had on city commission salaries. Um, I want to move that we put it on a future agenda. Um, that agenda item would be to have the discussion, not to bring back
any kind of language yet, but I we I'd like to have that opportunity to have that discussion. So, in order to get consensus, uh, city attorney, if you Oh, our city attorney makes his way back. if you can guide me on on the proper way to do this, if I can just make a motion now to add it to the agenda or if there's
anything else I need to do. >> Yes. As it relates to the item you've discussed, Commissioner Davis, um I think we talked about this on Wednesday and I think the mayor's preference was to entertain a motion to allow this to be added as an agenda item >> and as a discussion. It'll be a
discussion on the agenda and then if we so move then we could move forward with correct >> possible language but that'll give the public plenty of time to weigh in and understand what the conversation is. Okay. >> So so that would be I think what the preference of the mayor was is to entertain a motion to allow for it as
you just said to be discussed. Yeah. >> And then get further direction as appropriate. >> Then I I uh I move that we add an agenda item to have a discussion on commission salaries. >> Okay. >> Do do you have a particular agenda that you would like to have that added to? Um, I will leave that to the city
manager based on the uh like how how dense the agenda is. If if there's if the next one's light enough, we can we can take it up then or if you want to wait until a future one. Um, relatively soon though because we're talking budget right now and I don't know what the will of the commission might be if we were to move forward with it. I want to make sure that it's part of that
conversation. >> Okay. All right. So, a motion's been made. Uh we will uh run the normal procedure on a motion. So we will close the commission meeting, open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to this item?
Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing, reopen the city commission meeting. Commissioners, any questions, comments on this item? Okay. Um I'll give my comment. So, I while I I certainly respect uh your
thoughts on this, um I do think that we probably are behind the eightball in comparison to other municipalities around the county. Um but in my opinion, I just think we are we're we're pretty
thin right now. Um not knowing kind of what the future holds uh legislatively from the from our state leaders. Um, I just, you know, I I never jumped into this job thinking I was going to become
a millionaire. U probably lost money if anything uh at this point. So, uh, but it it for me it it's always been about serving the people of Winter Haven regardless of, you know, what what other stipen is is within our budget to pay
the commissioners. Um, it's my honor to do so. So, I personally um think we're fine where we're at. Although, I will say we are are probably behind. Um but, you know, we're just we're not there at a point for me to move forward with that
discussion. That's just my opinion. >> If I can add a couple remarks to that then. Um first of all, we haven't revisited this since I think we said 2009. Uh we're not looking at a major increase. Um, you know, we just gave $350,000 for gift cards to the homeless.
So, uh, I I I respect that. You know, we we're we're trying to be uh frugal and and good stewards with our money, but uh I don't think we're asking for a lot. And for me personally, you know, I'm not looking to become a millionaire by any means, but I uh was working on my calendar today and I'm just about out of
leave time at my job and I've got to start taking on paid leave to do this. Um, so I'm certainly not looking to uh lose money while trying to serve the the city and I don't think what we're looking at is really that much of an increase. So I do think it it makes sense that we compare ourselves with the
rest of the county. We figure out what that uh you know what other cities are are are making and we also consider the fact that as a growing region um not just in the state but in the country that there there are added uh um you know needs that we're we're devoting our
time to that I want to make sure that uh we are within the range as other cities in Pulk County as far as our compensation goes. >> All right. With that, all those in favor of the motion signify by saying I >> I >> oppose like sign I.
>> Motion carries. Was that >> I >> for no or yes. >> 41 or a 32. >> That's what I'm clarifying. >> No. >> No. Okay. So, it's 32. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. So, I will um following that
motion, uh it's for discussion purposes. There's not a whole lot we have to do uh to to get that ready for an agenda. So, we'll work to make that happen, certainly prior to budget discussions. >> Okay. Commissioner Dawson,
>> also uh good to be here tonight. Uh the DC trip was very, uh I think very helpful and very essential to advancing some of the opportun things that we are endeavoring to do in the city. Uh I thought it was very very
helpful trip. Um very the uh agenda was very packed but I think that we accomplished a great deal while we were there. Also uh stopped by the to the EMS
appreciation cookout and uh was trying to compare them with the police department and uh I think both do standing job on the cookout. I really enjoyed that. But also able to sit down and have lunch with some of the staff uh who were there, those men and women who
were on the front lines, those first responders. We certainly value and appreciate all their great work and effort. Uh also the uh the chamber lunchon today. Uh it was, you know, good to hear uh supervisor of election me,
you know, just really kind of give a rundown. I think one of the calls was really trying to build turnout. Uh you know voting is our voice. It's vitally important. I did raise the concern or not concern but the fact is that we're
living in a time where uh you know you know people I I I was shared the fact that in my lifetime uh my certainly my parents and my grandparents who some of them who did not even have a right to vote uh or their vote didn't matter and
I think some people feel disenfranchised even now with things that are currently occurring and uh So, it's great concern because I think that that also creates apathy and and people feeling as though, you know, their their their
participation in the franchise really doesn't matter. So, I think it was very good just to hear her talk about, you know, what we need to do and encouraging people to uh to actually do that, get out and vote. Uh, I would say this and I was kind of
quiet about that earlier and I want to say it because I got to speak from my heart and that's what happens when you when you speak to that situation. You start talking about people who are who are on the margin. Um, I've been serving in this city over 34 years
and uh around my church there are some people who are living pretty much behind some trees and some bushes. They have nowhere else to live. many of them come around the church uh looking for food and
money in order just to be able to get by do whatever they need to do. Uh fact is you know the city where we're doing well we're seeing great things happen Winter Haven but there are still many people who are suffering and people who are
hurting and I think when the city takes the time to give the grant a need is what I want to speak to specifically. I think when when I first came to the commission u a few years ago, I looked at grant a tried to understand it pretty much like my colleague trying to
understand pretty much how that works. And uh it was something that I think that started many years ago and those legacy groups that uh that are part of this uh boys club uh neighborhood service center uh meals on wheels you
know uh many organizations that that really meet a need for people who are in fact on the margin and uh and I think that for us you know I didn't applaud the fact that you know money was given back in my opin
I think that uh whatever we can do to try to help this is what we can't do ourselves often time but others step up to try to make a difference in the community and many of them I know a lot of the groups a lot of organizations and uh sometimes it's just important that
you get out and kind of if you haven't taken the opportunity maybe to get out and and and work in some of those group volunteer and do some of the work uh you lift some boxes and put them in the back of people's trucks or cars uh who are hungry because people are uh certainly
in great need. Groceries are high. People are suffering with a lot of needs. Uh all due respect, uh I don't think one ski show is going to put any food in anybody's mouth. And so it's important that we not forget, you know,
just that we also serve all of the community, not just those who are doing well, but I think always keep an eye on those uh who are least among us. And there are many. And uh somebody's got to speak for them because often times their
voices are not heard. And I pray and I hope that as a commission and as a people and as a city, we will always step up to that. I recognize what the attorney has shared uh with what has been sent from Tallahassee and meeting those necessary requirements or whatever
is required, but I still think that we should not allow anything to deter or stop us from trying to reach down and reach and reach those who are less fortunate and to make a difference in our city. So, uh I applaud all those uh groups who continue to do that work.
I'll give you this and I'm going to be finished. Over 30 years ago, this young man who was addicted to drugs, Teen Challenge was actually in this area but moved out of the area back during that time was really a great program helping people get off of drugs and we
had a major problem epidemic if you will drug addiction still one even today to a great extent. The group came over and actually started on First Street and uh started feeding on Thanksgiving Day. We came along with him because this gentleman had been a part of our
ministry and uh he was clean and now he was working in our ministry actually was superintendent even of our of our church school just seeing how the Lord had blessed him in his life. We partnered with them. We started helping them give give actually feed on Thanksgiving day.
Fast forward uh year 25, we're still actually uh giving Thanksgiving hot Thanksgiving meals, pickup, delivery, also passing out turkeys and giving over 100 plus turkeys to people. Um there's
still a great need and I and I hope that we see that and never forget just how blessed we are and to much is given, much is required. >> Thank you, sir. Commissioner Bzon. >> Thank you. Well, there a lot has been
said and um I'll just not repeat some of the things, but I did go on the DC trip. I was at the uh public safety leadership graduation. Uh naturally, y'all know I didn't miss
the EMS cookout because there was food. So, y'all know I was there. and the uh Winter Haven graduation. Really uh enjoyed that shaking all those hands. But I have one piece of good news item
from um the PRWC, which is uh the our water cooperative. what we were supposed to pay. We're going to pay at least
$150,000 less because of what is called true up. And I said, well, what is a true up? What is a the true up is
we all are basically based on the expenses and all of the work that's going to be done. We're projected what we're going to have to pay. And what happened is when it came in
it up it was less than what was projected. So therefore, instead of us getting a refund, they won't give a refund, but what will happen is it will go towards the next year payment. And so
I'm saying that's every dollar that we can save on the water cooperative is major because we are talking about millions and millions of dollars for water. So that's a good
news item. So I I'll leave you all with that. >> Mayor P Mercer. >> Okay. Um I also did the DC trip and um we talked about the airport a little bit. So, um, uh, did the public
safety leadership council and also, um, the Winter Haven senior high school graduation ceremony and I did the EMS cookout and we want to thank all of our first responders and especially it was
your turn this time. So, um, and it was very good and then I took three days vacation. So, that was it for me. Okay. Uh, a couple items. Um, reiterate. Yeah, I it was a great legislative trip.
Made a lot of headway, I think, on the Willowbrook Road, uh, North Lakeship Drive and our airport. You know, the airport, we are going to be cutting edge in the nation with what we have going on at Winter Haven Airport. And that is
just that is super exciting. Uh, what what's about to happen out there. uh attended the DARE graduation. Thank you. Thank you to our leadership for continuing to have a DARE graduation in our community. Uh all of those
graduates, all of those kids that participated. Wow. You know, they they were hyped. Um I might have gotten them a little hype more hyped, you know, a little more loud just to give them a challenge, but uh which they succeeded at. But that was
that was that was a great event. Um that was a lot more hopping than when I went through there which was a long long long time ago. Um but some communities have done away with that and um and that that's a shame. So thank you. Uh the
Lake Region Winter uh high school graduation as well as the Winter Haven High School graduation. Uh I see school board member Wyatt is in the audience. So just want to give our shout out. Please extend our our thanks to the staff at the school board,
great events, uh great graduations, a lot of smart kids, um way smarter than me, that's for sure. Um yeah, you don't have to shake your head like that, but um but amazing amazing accomplishments
were were recognized and the staff of the Pulk County School Board did a phenomenal job with the graduations. um our own public safety leadership graduation. Uh I do think that that's a program that's going to get bigger and bigger. So, uh thank you for doing that.
Um it'll be right up there with um uh leadership U. Um I got the name wrong, didn't I? Katrina. >> City. >> CityU. CityU. Um so >> close. >> Yeah, it's close. Got the U right.
>> Harvard South. Um, >> and and so also Katrina, I apologize. I didn't thank you. You you spent a tireless amount of time on Grant Maid and trying to do your best to make sure
we had the best program we can move forward with. It's not perfect and and I I'd love to see a grant aid program that is perfect in the nation. There isn't one. It doesn't exist. Um, but we'll need to continue to refine it. We need
to continue to make it better. Um, and I hope it's something that we can continue to offer, but again, not knowing, you know, what the future holds in our legislative uh battles with with Tallahassee, we'll have to see. So, but thank you for
your your efforts. Um, and thank you again to the committee members who are are here. Um, so with that, I will just send a reminder. I have a planned family vacation next week, so I will be uh not
here. Mayor Pro Tim Mercer will be running the ship. Um she'll do a much better job than I do, so I promise. Um but with that, I will return for the city commission meeting the following Monday and we will go on to city
attorney Murphy. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Commissioner, I have no further comments this evening. Thank you, >> city manager. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Commissioners. a couple items. Um, appreciate the uh, sentiments you shared regarding Miss Hill's work on Grant Nade. I'll tell you
uh, that second meeting of Grant happened the Friday following our return trip from DC. So to say that it was a heavy heavy lift through all that uh, as well as helping coordinate all of our DC
stuff. Um just want to echo those compliments of her outstanding work as well as of our deputy city manager and helping coordinate the DC trip. Um state budget has been released. Um
it will be voted on I believe Friday is the plan uh by the legislators and then sent on to the governor for what comes to be in terms of vetos and the like. Um,
Willoughbrook Road is included in that budget at $450,000. Uh, Florida Citrus Building Provisor language is not. So, we will go back to the drawing board
on that one and request that uh our local delegation carry that is a bill going into their delegation meetings next year and keep working to make that happen. Um, as far as Willbrook Road,
obviously we have the have to watch and see what gets vetoed by the governor going forward and we'll know more when that happens. Um the third street construction project
has officially begun. >> Um just a kind of a shout out to Tucker Paving who's doing that project. When I came in this morning, a little past 7 a.m. they were putting out theot and by
8:00 they were tearing out sidewalks and curb and all the work you see out there is a result of one day. So they are getting after it fast and furious. We have done a very robust campaign to educate the community on how to navigate
this area depending upon which facility you're trying to get to as we have a number of them. That road closure is really just Third Street from Avenue D to the senior center. So, we do have access to all of our facilities, although it's a little bit awkward uh
and will be until the project's completed, which is expected to be February of 27. Um, we'll have some more information on some navigation around uh that ties into our major special event, which is the Rock and Freedom Fest, and
that will be presented at next Wednesday's agenda review. Um, and then the EMS cookout. I'd like to thank all y'all for attending that. However, your comments do nothing but fuel the fire in between
them and police on who can out compete who. Um, so I think that Vance and Greg and team are probably already plotting uh for what to do next. Of course, the fire department will be on standby for any fires that come about as a result of
their pursuit of more cooking prowess, but we have a phenomenal team and you mentioned the public safety leadership council. That is a reflection of that entire team to include Tanya Ayers, our director of safe neighborhoods and Charlie Bird, our assistant city
manager. Uh final thing is Mr. Carnival, Miss Hill, and myself will be out of the office beginning tomorrow attending the Florida City County Management Association annual conference. This is part of our professional development.
It's also when we fulfill our ethics obligation. So, we'll sit through four hours of ethics training tomorrow uh to meet that requirement and return to Winter Haven on Saturday. I will designate a member of my team to be your
point of contact although we're only you know an hour and a half maybe two as the traffic flows away that if there's an urgent issue we can be back as need be. So um that concludes my report for this evening. Thank you. >> Thank you. C manager. Is there any
update on a potential third session in Tallahassee yet? >> We're here next week. >> Yeah. There's there's not been a a definitive date or topic list yet for that, but I do know that the governor
held a press conference in Brevard County, I think it was last week um and commented on that and so we expect that to occur, but the details are still a little fuzzy. >> Okay. Deputy C manager,
>> nothing this evening, sir. Thank you. >> All right, deputy clerk. >> Nothing, sir. Great job filling in tonight for Vanessa. >> Thank you. >> With that, we'll adjourn.